[PAGE 1]
Halifax County Board of Commissioners
Vernon J. Bryant, Chairman Dia H. Denton
Chenoa Richardson Davis, Vice-Chairwoman County Manager
Sammy D. Webb Mary Anderson-Faison
Jimmie C. Silver Deputy Clerk to the Board
Gary R. Redding M. Glynn Rollins, Jr.
Thomas E. Barrett, Jr. County Attorney
Monday, September 15, 2025 Regular Meeting at 5:30 PM
The Concerned Citizens of Tillery Community Center
321 Community Center Road, Tillery, North Carolina 27887
252-826-3017/Fax: 252-826-3244
www.tillery@aol.com
The mission of the Halifax County Board of Commissioners is to provide leadership and support for an
effective county government that seeks to enhance the quality of life for the people of Halifax County.
Call to Order
Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance
Adoption of Agenda
Conflict of Interest
In accordance with the Halifax County Board of Commissioners Rules of Procedures and N. C. G. S. Sec.153A-44,
it is the duty of every member present to vote on all matters coming before the Board, unless there is a conflict of
interest as determined by the Board or by law. Does any Board member have any known conflict of interest with
respect to any matters coming before the Board today? If so, please identify the conflict and the remaining Board
members will vote to consider the requested excuse.
1. Special Recognition
A. Halifax Underground Railroad Resolution Vernon J. Bryant, Chairman
B. Letter Recognizing Reverend Gregory Evans of Crowell Vernon J. Bryant, Chairman
Baptist Church on His 20th Pastor Anniversary
C. Proclamation Marking the 75th Anniversary of London Vernon J. Bryant, Chairman
Missionary Baptist Church
2. Public Comment Period N. C. G. S. §153A-52.1
A. Public Comment Policy Vernon J. Bryant, Chairman
3. Agenda Item
A. New Weldon Middle/High School Construction Update Dr. Tammy Boone, Superintendent,
Weldon City Schools
4. County Manager’s Report
5. County Attorney’s Report

[PAGE 2]
6. Other Business
A. Letter to Federal Representatives in Support of the FEMA Act Chairman Vernon J. Bryant
(H.R. 4669)
7. Closed Session N. C. G. S. §143-318.11
8. Adjourn until the September 29, 2025, Special Meeting at 5:30 p.m.
***
Accommodations for individuals with disabilities may be arranged by contacting
the County Manager's office at 252-583-1131 at least 48 hours prior to the meeting.
***

[PAGE 3]
AGENDA
Halifax County Board of Commissioners
Regular Meeting
TO: Halifax County Board of Commissioners
FROM: Christina Wells, Deputy County Manager
PRESENTER: Vernon J. Bryant, Chairman
SUBJECT: Halifax Underground Railroad Resolution
DATE: September 15, 2025 Regular Meeting
SUPPORTING INFORMATION:
See the attached Resolution to recognize the significance of the Underground Railroad sites - the Roanoke
River, Historic Halifax State Historic Site, and Roanoke Canal - in Halifax County and proclaim September 20,
2025, as Halifax Underground Railroad Day.
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Resolution_UndergroundRailroadDay_9-15-25
TOTAL COST: COUNTY COST:
REQUEST: Adopt the attached Resolution to recognize the significance of the Underground Railroad sites in
Halifax County and proclaim September 20, 2025, as Halifax Underground Railroad Day.

[PAGE 4]
Resolution
Halifax Underground Railroad
Halifax, North Carolina
Whereas,
the Roanoke River, Historic Halifax State Historic Site, and Roanoke Canal have been
designated by the National Park Service as official sites of the National Underground Railroad Network
to Freedom; and
Whereas,
Halifax County is proud to be home to these three sites that provide a source of rich
history, a place for reflective healing, and a new link to cultural tourism in eastern North Carolina; and
Whereas,
America’s economic success from the Colonial Era to the Civil War depended on the
institution of slavery. Enslaved people of African descent worked to exhaustion on plantation fields and
in the homes and businesses of their owners, experiencing beatings, branding, and brutal work, as well as
being sold at auction; and
Whereas,
freedom seekers resisted slavery by fleeing across state lines and international borders
to liberty. Freedom seekers journeyed alone through dark swamps, dressed in disguises, and traveled in
hidden compartments in wagons. Some were aided by family, fellow freedom seekers, and abolitionists;
and
Whereas,
the Roanoke River played a major role in communications between free and enslaved
people due to the boatmen plying the waters and spreading information to people along its banks; and
Whereas,
Quakers who lived across the Roanoke River from the town of Halifax aided over 600
freedom seekers in their flight from North Carolina. The river provided a path, places to hide, food, and
at times transportation by sympathetic boatmen.
Now, Therefore, Be It Resolved,
that the Halifax County Board of Commissioners
does hereby proclaim September 20, 2025, as Halifax Underground Railroad Day in Halifax County, that
the original of this resolution be presented to the Halifax Underground Railroad Board of Directors and
Advisory Committee, and that a copy of this resolution be spread upon the minutes of the Halifax County
Board of Commissioners this 15th day of September 2025.
____________________________________
Vernon J. Bryant, Chairman
Halifax County Board of Commissioners
_____________________________________
Mary Anderson-Faison, NCCCC
Deputy Clerk

[PAGE 5]
AGENDA
Halifax County Board of Commissioners
Regular Meeting
TO: Halifax County Board of Commissioners
FROM: Christina Wells, Deputy County Manager
PRESENTER: Vernon J. Bryant, Chairman
SUBJECT: Letter Recognizing Reverend Gregory Evans of Crowell Baptist Church on His 20th Pastor
Anniversary
DATE: September 15, 2025 Regular Meeting
SUPPORTING INFORMATION:
See the attached letter marking the 20th Pastor Anniversary of Reverend Gregory Evans of Crowell Baptist
Church.
ATTACHMENTS:
1. CrowellBaptistChurch_PastorAnniversary_Letter
TOTAL COST: COUNTY COST:
REQUEST: Approve the attached letter marking the 20th Pastor Anniversary of Reverend Gregory Evans of
Crowell Baptist Church.

[PAGE 6]
Halifax County Board of Commissioners
Vernon J. Bryant, Chairman Dia H. Denton
Chenoa Richardson Davis, Vice-Chairman County Manager
Sammy D. Webb Andrea H. Wiggins
Jimmie C. Silver Clerk to the Board
Gary Redding M. Glynn Rollins, Jr.
Thomas Barrett, Jr. County Attorney
Halifax County Historic Courthouse
10 North King Street, Post Office Box 38, Halifax, North Carolina 27839
252-583-1131 ∙ Fax: 252-583-9921
www.halifaxnc.com
September 15, 2025
Reverend Gregory L. Evans
Crowell Baptist Church
4603 NC-481
Halifax, North Carolina 27839
Dear Reverend Evans:
On behalf of the Halifax County Board of Commissioners, I would like to congratulate you, as
Crowell Baptist Church proudly celebrates your 20th Pastor Anniversary.
Your dedication and commitment to sharing the gospel brings credit not only to you but also to
everyone whose life has been touched, impacted and blessed by your ministry as pastor.
I applaud your efforts and would like to extend to you, on behalf of the Halifax County Board of
Commissioners, our sincere congratulations and gratitude for your spiritual leadership.
With kindest regards, I am
Sincerely,
Vernon J. Bryant, Chairman
Halifax County Board of Commissioners
The mission of the Halifax County Board of Commissioners is to provide leadership and support for an effective county
government that seeks to enhance the quality of life for the people of Halifax County.
In God We Trust

[PAGE 7]
AGENDA
Halifax County Board of Commissioners
Regular Meeting
TO: Halifax County Board of Commissioners
FROM: Christina Wells, Deputy County Manager
PRESENTER: Vernon J. Bryant, Chairman
SUBJECT: Proclamation Marking the 75th Anniversary of London Missionary Baptist Church
DATE: September 15, 2025 Regular Meeting
SUPPORTING INFORMATION:
See attached Proclamation marking the 75th Anniversary of London Missionary Baptist Church.
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Proclamation_LondonMissionaryBaptistChurch_75thAnniversary
TOTAL COST: COUNTY COST:
REQUEST: Approve the attached Proclamation marking the 75th Anniversary of London Missionary Baptist
Church.

[PAGE 8]
Proclamation
London Missionary Baptist Church
75th Church Anniversary
Whereas,
London Missionary Baptist Church is commemorating its 75th church anniversary on
October 26, 2025, with communities and congregations coming together to help celebrate this occasion;
and
Whereas
, in January 1950, God gave a group of dynamic trailblazers, under the leadership of the
church’s founder and first pastor of record, Reverend Gladie Allen Gilchrist, a vision to help establish a
permanent place of worship, which was originally located in the old Rosenwald London Elementary
School, located on Highway 158 West, approximately ¼ mile west of the current location. Ultimately, land
was purchased, and the first structure was built in 1950; and
Whereas
, on March 12, 1985, the first structure was destroyed by fire and was subsequently
rebuilt in the same location in June 1985 where it stands today; and
Whereas
, in later years, with every new pastor that came through London Missionary Baptist
Church, it appeared that God gave each a vision to do something that would improve and enrich the church
family; and
Whereas
, under the leadership of the Holy Spirit, the church’s current leader Reverend Elbert Lee
was installed as pastor in 2003. Since then, many improvements have occurred, and new members have
been added. Currently, London Missionary Baptist Church has members from all over Halifax County and
beyond; and
Whereas
, London Missionary Baptist has continued to advance and grow over the years, and the
church has undergone many transformations, but the vision remains “Where Christ is All and Everyone is
Somebody.”
Now, Therefore, Be It Proclaimed
, that I, Vernon J. Bryant, Chairman of the Halifax
County Board of Commissioners, in the State of North Carolina, hereby proclaim Sunday, October 26,
2025, as London Missionary Baptist Church Day in Halifax County and urge all the citizens of Halifax
County to pay special tribute to this church on the occasion of their 75th anniversary and that a copy of this
proclamation be spread upon the minutes of the Halifax County Board of Commissioners.
In Witness Whereof
, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Seal of the County of
Halifax, North Carolina, to be affixed this the 15th day of September 2025.
_____________________________________
Vernon J. Bryant, Chairman
Halifax County Board of Commissioners
____________________________________________
Mary Anderson-Faison, NCCCC, Deputy Clerk
Halifax County Board of Commissioners

[PAGE 9]
AGENDA
Halifax County Board of Commissioners
Regular Meeting
TO: Halifax County Board of Commissioners
FROM: Mary Anderson-Faison, Deputy Clerk
PRESENTER: Vernon J. Bryant, Chairman
SUBJECT: Public Comment Policy
DATE: September 15, 2025 Regular Meeting
SUPPORTING INFORMATION:
Attached please find the public comment period statement and policy
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Public Comment Period - Opening Statement- In Person Meetings
2. Public Comment Policy
TOTAL COST: COUNTY COST:
REQUEST:

[PAGE 10]
O S
PENING TATEMENT
P C P
UBLIC OMMENT ERIOD
As required by G.S. 153A-52.1, the Halifax County Board of Commissioners
provides a public comment period once a month as an item of business on its regular
meeting agenda. Now is the scheduled time for the public comment period.
When I call your name, please come to the podium, state your name and address,
and begin speaking. You will have three minutes to address the board. If you have
documents that you want to give to the board, please hand those out before going to the
podium.
I will not go over the rules for the public comment period because they were posted
by the door of this room. By signing up to speak, you have acknowledged that you are
familiar with the rules and that you will abide by them.
We will do our best to hear from everyone who has signed up to speak, but if we are
unable to accommodate everyone in the time allotted, you will be invited to speak during
our next public comment period, at which time you will be given priority without having to
sign up again.
We appreciate your interest in Halifax County government, and we look forward to
hearing from you.
At this time, I invite our first speaker to come to the podium and give us your
remarks.

[PAGE 12]
AGENDA
Halifax County Board of Commissioners
Regular Meeting
TO: Halifax County Board of Commissioners
FROM: Dia Denton, County Manager
PRESENTER: Dr. Tammy Boone, Superintendent, Weldon City Schools
SUBJECT: New Weldon Middle/High School Construction Update
DATE: September 15, 2025 Regular Meeting
SUPPORTING INFORMATION:
Dr. Tammy Boone, Superintendent of Weldon City Schools, will provide a project update on the construction of
the new grade 6 - 12 school.
ATTACHMENTS:
TOTAL COST: n/a COUNTY COST: n/a
REQUEST: No action needed.

[PAGE 13]
AGENDA
Halifax County Board of Commissioners
Regular Meeting
TO: Halifax County Board of Commissioners
FROM: Christina Wells, Deputy County Manager
PRESENTER: Chairman Vernon J. Bryant
SUBJECT: Letter to Federal Representatives in Support of the FEMA Act (H.R. 4669)
DATE: September 15, 2025 Regular Meeting
SUPPORTING INFORMATION:
On Wednesday, September 3, the US House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee overwhelmingly
approved the Fixing Emergency Management for Americans (FEMA) Act (H.R. 4669) by a vote of 57-3. This
critical piece of legislation contains a number of wins for counties that were directly advocated for by the
National Association of Counties' (NACo) Intergovernmental Disaster Reform Task Force.
As the bill now heads to the full US House for a vote, NACo has asked counties to help turn these hard-fought
wins into law by contacting our federal representatives and urging them to support the FEMA Act to secure a
more effective and responsive emergency management system for all communities.
Key wins in the bill include:
• Transitioning FEMA’s Public Assistance Program from a reimbursement to a grant model with the
opportunity for grants to be made directly to counties
• Streamlining environmental and historic preservation reviews
• Creating a universal disaster application for disaster survivors
• Restructuring FEMA's pre-disaster mitigation program by moving it to a formula-based grant
• Creating a Public Assistance dashboard with information for each major disaster declaration
Attached is a letter from Halifax County sent to our federal representatives on September 5 in support of the
FEMA Act.
ATTACHMENTS:
1. LetterstoFederalRepresentatives_reFEMAAct(HR4669)_Davis
2. LetterstoFederalRepresentatives_reFEMAAct(HR4669)_Budd
3. LetterstoFederalRepresentatives_reFEMAAct(HR4669)_Tillis
TOTAL COST: COUNTY COST:
REQUEST: Request retroactive approval of the letter in support of the FEMA Act (H.R. 4669) to our federal
representatives.

[PAGE 14]
Halifax County Board of Commissioners
Vernon J. Bryant, Chairman Dia H. Denton
Chenoa Richardson Davis, Vice-Chairwoman County Manager
Sammy D. Webb Andrea H. Wiggins
Jimmie C. Silver Clerk to the Board
Gary R. Redding M. Glynn Rollins, Jr.
Thomas E. Barrett, Jr. County Attorney
Halifax County Historic Courthouse
10 North King Street, Post Office Box 38, Halifax, North Carolina 27839
252-583-1131 ∙ Fax: 252-583-9921
www.halifaxnc.com
September 5, 2025
The Honorable Don Davis
United States Congress
1123 Longworth House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515
Dear Congressman Davis:
On behalf of Halifax County, we write to express our strong support for the bipartisan Fixing
Emergency Management for Americans (FEMA) Act (H.R. 4669). This legislation provides
long-overdue reforms to streamline disaster recovery, increase transparency and efficiency, and
make federal assistance more accessible to the communities we serve.
Counties are the nation’s frontline responders during disasters – providing emergency services,
clearing debris, operating shelters, and managing long-term recovery. Yet we often face an
overly bureaucratic and delayed federal process that slows our ability to deliver timely support to
residents and rebuild critical infrastructure. The FEMA Act directly addresses these barriers.
Specifically, we support key provisions in the FEMA Act that will have a transformative impact
on county disaster response and recovery:
· Universal Disaster Application: Simplifies and unifies survivor applications across federal
agencies, reducing confusion, duplication, and delays for disaster survivors during the most
stressful times of their lives.
· Public Assistance Program Reform: Transitions from a reimbursement-based model to a grant-
based model for FEMA Public Assistance, ensuring counties – many of which operate on tight
budgets – can more quickly restore vital infrastructure without fronting millions of dollars.
The mission of the Halifax County Board of Commissioners is to provide leadership and support for an effective county
government that seeks to enhance the quality of life for the people of Halifax County.
In God We Trust

[PAGE 15]
· Public Assistance Dashboard: Increases transparency and visibility into the status of project
approvals, obligations, and disbursements, helping counties plan better, hold partners
accountable and identify bottlenecks.
· Mitigation Program Reforms: Modernizes FEMA’s mitigation programs so counties can
proactively address vulnerabilities before the next disaster strikes, better protecting lives,
property and taxpayer dollars.
Halifax County, a rural Tier One county, has weathered many storms that have severely
impacted our citizens. Most recently, the remnants of Tropical Storm Chantal in July brought
nearly seven inches of rain and flash flooding to some parts of our county with accompanying
power outages. There was a severe thunderstorm in May 2025 causing extensive damage
including downed trees, blocked roads and prolonged power outages. In July 2024, an EF-1
tornado made its way across the county, causing tree and power line damage.
At this critical moment – with growing disaster frequency, increased financial strain, and
persistent recovery challenges – the FEMA Act offers counties a pathway to more timely,
coordinated, and effective disaster assistance. The bill recognizes counties as essential partners in
emergency management and reflects meaningful engagement with local officials across the
country.
We thank you for your leadership and urge swift passage of the FEMA Act to better serve our
residents and strengthen the nation’s disaster response and recovery framework.
Sincerely,
Vernon J. Bryant, Chairman
Halifax County Board of Commissioners
The mission of the Halifax County Board of Commissioners is to provide leadership and support for an effective county
government that seeks to enhance the quality of life for the people of Halifax County.
In God We Trust

[PAGE 16]
Halifax County Board of Commissioners
Vernon J. Bryant, Chairman Dia H. Denton
Chenoa Richardson Davis, Vice-Chairwoman County Manager
Sammy D. Webb Andrea H. Wiggins
Jimmie C. Silver Clerk to the Board
Gary R. Redding M. Glynn Rollins, Jr.
Thomas E. Barrett, Jr. County Attorney
Halifax County Historic Courthouse
10 North King Street, Post Office Box 38, Halifax, North Carolina 27839
252-583-1131 ∙ Fax: 252-583-9921
www.halifaxnc.com
September 5, 2025
The Honorable Ted Budd
United States Senate
North Carolina State Headquarters
5380 US Highway 158, Suite 202
Advance, NC 27006
Dear Senator Budd:
On behalf of Halifax County, we write to express our strong support for the bipartisan Fixing
Emergency Management for Americans (FEMA) Act (H.R. 4669). This legislation provides
long-overdue reforms to streamline disaster recovery, increase transparency and efficiency, and
make federal assistance more accessible to the communities we serve.
Counties are the nation’s frontline responders during disasters – providing emergency services,
clearing debris, operating shelters, and managing long-term recovery. Yet we often face an
overly bureaucratic and delayed federal process that slows our ability to deliver timely support to
residents and rebuild critical infrastructure. The FEMA Act directly addresses these barriers.
Specifically, we support key provisions in the FEMA Act that will have a transformative impact
on county disaster response and recovery:
· Universal Disaster Application: Simplifies and unifies survivor applications across federal
agencies, reducing confusion, duplication, and delays for disaster survivors during the most
stressful times of their lives.
· Public Assistance Program Reform: Transitions from a reimbursement-based model to a grant-
based model for FEMA Public Assistance, ensuring counties – many of which operate on tight
budgets – can more quickly restore vital infrastructure without fronting millions of dollars.
The mission of the Halifax County Board of Commissioners is to provide leadership and support for an effective county
government that seeks to enhance the quality of life for the people of Halifax County.
In God We Trust

[PAGE 17]
· Public Assistance Dashboard: Increases transparency and visibility into the status of project
approvals, obligations, and disbursements, helping counties plan better, hold partners
accountable and identify bottlenecks.
· Mitigation Program Reforms: Modernizes FEMA’s mitigation programs so counties can
proactively address vulnerabilities before the next disaster strikes, better protecting lives,
property and taxpayer dollars.
Halifax County, a rural Tier One county, has weathered many storms that have severely
impacted our citizens. Most recently, the remnants of Tropical Storm Chantal in July brought
nearly seven inches of rain and flash flooding to some parts of our county with accompanying
power outages. There was a severe thunderstorm in May 2025 causing extensive damage
including downed trees, blocked roads and prolonged power outages. In July 2024, an EF-1
tornado made its way across the county, causing tree and power line damage.
At this critical moment – with growing disaster frequency, increased financial strain, and
persistent recovery challenges – the FEMA Act offers counties a pathway to more timely,
coordinated, and effective disaster assistance. The bill recognizes counties as essential partners in
emergency management and reflects meaningful engagement with local officials across the
country.
We thank you for your leadership and urge swift passage of the FEMA Act to better serve our
residents and strengthen the nation’s disaster response and recovery framework.
Sincerely,
Vernon J. Bryant, Chairman
Halifax County Board of Commissioners
The mission of the Halifax County Board of Commissioners is to provide leadership and support for an effective county
government that seeks to enhance the quality of life for the people of Halifax County.
In God We Trust

[PAGE 18]
Halifax County Board of Commissioners
Vernon J. Bryant, Chairman Dia H. Denton
Chenoa Richardson Davis, Vice-Chairwoman County Manager
Sammy D. Webb Andrea H. Wiggins
Jimmie C. Silver Clerk to the Board
Gary R. Redding M. Glynn Rollins, Jr.
Thomas E. Barrett, Jr. County Attorney
Halifax County Historic Courthouse
10 North King Street, Post Office Box 38, Halifax, North Carolina 27839
252-583-1131 ∙ Fax: 252-583-9921
www.halifaxnc.com
September 5, 2025
The Honorable Thom Tillis
United States Senate
113 Dirksen Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510
Dear Senator Tillis:
On behalf of Halifax County, we write to express our strong support for the bipartisan Fixing
Emergency Management for Americans (FEMA) Act (H.R. 4669). This legislation provides
long-overdue reforms to streamline disaster recovery, increase transparency and efficiency, and
make federal assistance more accessible to the communities we serve.
Counties are the nation’s frontline responders during disasters – providing emergency services,
clearing debris, operating shelters, and managing long-term recovery. Yet we often face an
overly bureaucratic and delayed federal process that slows our ability to deliver timely support to
residents and rebuild critical infrastructure. The FEMA Act directly addresses these barriers.
Specifically, we support key provisions in the FEMA Act that will have a transformative impact
on county disaster response and recovery:
· Universal Disaster Application: Simplifies and unifies survivor applications across federal
agencies, reducing confusion, duplication, and delays for disaster survivors during the most
stressful times of their lives.
· Public Assistance Program Reform: Transitions from a reimbursement-based model to a grant-
based model for FEMA Public Assistance, ensuring counties – many of which operate on tight
budgets – can more quickly restore vital infrastructure without fronting millions of dollars.
The mission of the Halifax County Board of Commissioners is to provide leadership and support for an effective county
government that seeks to enhance the quality of life for the people of Halifax County.
In God We Trust

[PAGE 19]
· Public Assistance Dashboard: Increases transparency and visibility into the status of project
approvals, obligations, and disbursements, helping counties plan better, hold partners
accountable and identify bottlenecks.
· Mitigation Program Reforms: Modernizes FEMA’s mitigation programs so counties can
proactively address vulnerabilities before the next disaster strikes, better protecting lives,
property and taxpayer dollars.
Halifax County, a rural Tier One county, has weathered many storms that have severely
impacted our citizens. Most recently, the remnants of Tropical Storm Chantal in July brought
nearly seven inches of rain and flash flooding to some parts of our county with accompanying
power outages. There was a severe thunderstorm in May 2025 causing extensive damage
including downed trees, blocked roads and prolonged power outages. In July 2024, an EF-1
tornado made its way across the county, causing tree and power line damage.
At this critical moment – with growing disaster frequency, increased financial strain, and
persistent recovery challenges – the FEMA Act offers counties a pathway to more timely,
coordinated, and effective disaster assistance. The bill recognizes counties as essential partners in
emergency management and reflects meaningful engagement with local officials across the
country.
We thank you for your leadership and urge swift passage of the FEMA Act to better serve our
residents and strengthen the nation’s disaster response and recovery framework.
Sincerely,
Vernon J. Bryant, Chairman
Halifax County Board of Commissioners
The mission of the Halifax County Board of Commissioners is to provide leadership and support for an effective county
government that seeks to enhance the quality of life for the people of Halifax County.
In God We Trust